Day 4 - Friday, 29th of January 2016

A nest of many colours 

The days are running by and we wish we could stop the time…

While the boys were busy getting the last items on our shopping list, our resident writer, Judith spent the morning updating all our friends around the world here on the blog. 

Since we got a number of excellent deals during the week, we were able to save up enough money to purchase a TV and DVD player along with some of the most popular kids’ movies. 

Shrek and Fiona, Anna and Elsa, Gru, Margo, Edith and little Agnes – the children of Kalamusu Kedella can’t wait to get to know you! 

Keen to get the final stage of our project under way, we headed to the orphanage just after lunchtime. While construction of the building finished over a week ago, the children are yet to see the new dining room. When we first got a glimpse of the room a few days ago, it only had the bare essentials – tables and chairs – in place; now it was up to us to arrange the decorations, table clothes, crockery, cutlery and all the little extra touches. 

While Rui and Jorge got handy with the drill, measuring tape and screwdriver, Judith added some colour and warmth to the place. When we finally sat down a number of hours later – dusty, sore, hungry – we couldn’t stop smiling to ourselves. Mission is – almost – accomplished. 

Many curious little eyes peaked through the windows during the day but the children don’t know the details of the opening ceremony and party we planned for Saturday. 

Apart from creating a communal space, one of the main purposes of the new dining hall is that – instead of eating on the floor of the kitchen – the children will have the chance to learn table manners and basic hygiene rules. Naomi feels very strongly that these are essential skill. 

Since the kids have never used cutlery before, with Jorge’s guidance we arranged a little introductory session. Naturally, this will take some getting used to, but we got started on the right path. 

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While spending time with the children, we notice that some of them are a lot more withdrawn than others. Nelum – Naomi’s mum – explains that you can tell immediately which children are struggling internally. Although some of the little ones are orphaned, the majority of the residents were sent to the home by the authorities because their parents count not or would not look after them. 

Nelum arranges one to one chats with the distressed children in an attempt to work through their experiences. We fall silent as she tells stories of poverty, abandonment, neglect. By the time the children get under the care of the home, they are often full of scars - both on the inside and outside. It takes a long time to learn to trust again.

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It is all in the name… Kalamusu Kedella – the name of the orphanage – means “The nest of many colours” in Sinhalesea. Naomi explains the thinking behind their choice: In at ethnically diverse society, they welcome children of all kinds of background. While herself and her family are committed Christians, the children are free to practice whichever religion they are drawn to. 

“It doesn’t matter where you come from. – she says. If you are in need of help, we are here for you. That is the basis of all our religions.” 

Time to wake up, everybody!
We have a lot to do today. 

We have easily settled into the rhythm of Kalutara.
It is a curious, every changing mixture of slow paced flow and hectic hustle & bustle. 

Finishing touches.
Rui and Jorge headed out to the market to pick up last minutes supplies. 

We came across many supportive local merchants during our trip.

After a few persuasive words by Jorge, all the employees working in this shop offered to donate some of their own money and purchased new lunchboxes for the children. 

So much to write home about.
While drinking coffee after coffee, Judith attempts to fit all our thoughts and experiences into this blog. 

Excuse me, I got right of way. 

Everything + the kitchen sink + some more. 

Time for a spot of lunch. 

Since we got offered as well as negotiated a number of excellent deals over the last few days, we were able to save up enough money in our budget to purchase a TV and DVD player for the new dining room. 

Left? Right? Up? Down?
From the outset, Judith has been very keen on not only getting the dining room functional for the opening, but also decorating it with colourful touches. 

A breath of fresh air.
These fans were surprise purchases for Naomi after a generous donor contacted us via the blog and offered assistance.
Thank you! 

What will you be when you grow up?
Jorge and Rui placing growing charts on the wall so the children can keep track of their height.  

Curtains up!
From Frozen to Despicable Me, hours of entertainment is awaiting the children. 

Laundry day.
The children's school uniforms are neatly hung out to dry. As the home does not own a washing machine, clothes for all 50 children are washed by hand. 

Catching up on table etiquette with Jorge.
Since the children have never eaten with cutlery before and they will be encouraged to use them in the new dining room, we arranged a little introduction on how to use forks, knifes and spoons. 

This is what we will eat ice cream with! 

Which one is which again? 

These two are up to something... 

Party this way.
The dining room was completed over a week ago, but the children have not seen it yet. To mark the official opening, we organised a special ceremony for Saturday. 

Too much excitement...
The children are aware that we have a fun day planned for Saturday but the details are kept top secret. 

It's cock-a-doodle-doo'clock.
Time to get home - we have a very exciting day ahead of us.

Have a look at some of our videos from today:

Jorge is offered some assistance in demonstrating how to use cutlery. Some of the little hands got mixed up but it will take time getting used to eating at the table from now on. 

Judith is hanging out with the girls before dinnertime. They are remarkably quick to pick up new English words.